Cryogenic analysis systems and methods

Abstract

Switch assemblies for a cryogenic device analysis system are provided. The switch assembly can include: a cold source conductive member extending lengthwise to a cold source; and a cryogenic device conductive member extending lengthwise to a cryogenic device and at least partially overlapping at least a portion of the cold source conductive member. Methods for closing a conductive connection between a cold source and a cryogenic device within a cryogenic analysis system are provided. Methods for opening a conductive connection between a cold source and a cryogenic device within a cryogenic analysis system are provided. Cryogenic device analysis systems are also provided.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A switch assembly for a cryogenic device analysis system, the assembly comprising:
 a cold source conductive member extending lengthwise to a cold source; and 
 a cryogenic device conductive member extending lengthwise to a cryogenic device and at least partially overlapping at least a portion of the cold source conductive member, wherein either or both of the conductive members are biased to define an insulative space between the conductive members at the overlap in an open orientation. 
 
     
     
       2. The switch assembly of  claim 1  wherein one or both of the overlapping portions of the conductive members are sufficiently flexible, wherein the application of mechanical force to either one or both closes the insulative space to provide thermal contact between the portions. 
     
     
       3. The switch assembly of  claim 2  further comprising a mechanical actuator operatively engaged with at least one of the overlapping portions of the conductive members. 
     
     
       4. The switch assembly of  claim 3  further comprising a mechanical actuator drive and controller operatively engaged with the mechanical actuator. 
     
     
       5. The switch assembly of  claim 1  further comprising an encompassing structure about the overlapping portions. 
     
     
       6. The switch assembly of  claim 5  further comprising a heater assembly operatively engaged with the encompassing structure, wherein application of heat from the heater assembly to the encompassing structure lessens the mechanical contact force between the portions. 
     
     
       7. The switch assembly of  claim 2  further comprising insulative members between the at least one overlapping portion and the mechanical actuator. 
     
     
       8. The switch assembly of  claim 1  further comprising an insulative biasing member extending between the conductive members. 
     
     
       9. The switch assembly of  claim 5  further comprising a structure operatively engaged about the overlapping portions and wherein the structure defines a collar or chassis. 
     
     
       10. A method for closing/opening a conductive connection between a cold source and a cryogenic device within a cryogenic analysis system, the method comprising providing sufficient mechanical force to either or both of a portion of a cold source conductive member or a portion of an overlapping cryogenic device conductive member to at least partially thermally engage the overlapping portions of the conductive members. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10  further comprising providing the mechanical force from a mechanical actuator. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11  further comprising operating the mechanical actuator using an actuator drive coupled to an actuator drive controller. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12  further comprising monitoring the torque provided to the mechanical actuator to determine the closing of the thermal connection. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12  further comprising monitoring the rotations of the mechanical actuator to determine the closing of the thermal connection. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 10  further comprising constricting an encompassing structure about both the portion of the cold source conductive member and the portion of an overlapping cryogenic device conductive member to close the switch and thermally connect the members. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15  wherein the mechanical actuator is engaged to initiate the cooldown of the overlapping cryogenic device conductive member as well as the encompassing structure. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15  further comprising warming the encompassing structure to provide freedom of movement between the portion of the cold source conductive member and the portion of an overlapping cryogenic device conductive member. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17  further comprising providing sufficient mechanical force to thermally disconnect the portion of the cold source conductive member and the portion of an overlapping cryogenic device conductive member and open the switch. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15  further comprising using an insulative member operatively engaged between the portion of the cold source conductive member and the portion of an overlapping cryogenic device conductive member to bias the members to define an insulative space between the members. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 10  further comprising operating a mechanical actuator to provide the mechanical force. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20  further comprising monitoring the torque provided to the mechanical actuator or rotations of the mechanical actuator to determine the opening of the thermal connection. 
     
     
       22. A cryogenic device analysis system, the system comprising:
 a pair of vacuum regions separated by a vacuum barrier; and 
 a switch within either of the vacuum regions, the switch comprising:
 a cold source conductive member extending lengthwise to a cold source within one vacuum region; 
 a cryogenic device conductive member extending lengthwise to a cryogenic device within another vacuum region and at least partially overlapping at least a portion of the cold source conductive member, wherein either or both of the conductive members are biased to define an insulative space between the conductive members at the overlap in an open orientation; and 
 at least one mechanical actuator operatively engaged with either of the portions of the conductive members.